Mustard Seed, Yellow, Whole

There are more than 40 varieties of mustard plants, but the culinary seeds come from primarily three plants - black mustard (Brassica nigra), brown mustard (Brassica juncea) and white mustard. The difference between them is more one of potency than of flavor. When ground, mustard seeds release a pungent smell, and roasting them gives them an earthy aroma. Black seeds have a strong flavor, brown seeds are a bit bitter, then turning hot and aromatic and yellow (also called white) seeds are at first a bit sweet.